We hope you will take the time to join thousands of graduates of Fairmont Heights High School who have enjoyed the exhibit at Arts Harmony Hall Regional Center celebrating 60 years of leadership as a Champion of Excellence and Equality—G. James Gholson. In commemoration of Black History Month, the National Capital Park and Planning Commission is honoring Mr. Gholson’s unyielding commitment to breaking down the barriers of injustice, magnified by miseducation, poverty and the absence of parity in the public schools of the State of Maryland. At the core of this profound story of one man’s social struggle against racism, emerged a portrait of achievement, progress and preeminence in American public education. This exhibit, which will be on display until March 20, 2010 at Harmony Hall Regional Center, 10701 Livingston road, Fort Washington, Maryland 20744-4943, stands as a monumental tribute to G. James Gholson’s life and love for the pursuit of excellence.

While we celebrate Mr. Gholson’s history, let’s also acknowledge the commitment of Mary McKinney, a graduate of Fairmont Height High School who mobilized political advocates and became a powerful force in making this exhibit possible through her contribution of information. She also got the school board to name a middle school after Mr. Gholson, she watched over him during his change in seasons and she has placed Mr. Gholson forever in the forefront of Black history in the State of Maryland and the nation. Kudos to Mary McKinney and all those who supported her vision of a better future for our children through the life and work of our champion of education.

Let us continue to celebrate Mr. Gholson’s legacy by supporting the G. James. Endowment Fund for FHHS through the Institute for Black Charities as a member of the Combined Federal Campaign. Please pledge your CFC contribution to #5606 for the G. James Gholson Endowment Fund of FHHS. We desperately need your support to achieve our goal of an endowment of $50,000. We plan to use some of the endowment to award four merit scholarships to academically exemplary graduates in the FHHS class of 2010.

In addition, you can make a tax deductible contribution to the G. James Gholson Endowment Fund of FHHS and mail it to:

Barbara Gainey

904 Cox Avenue

Hyattsville, MD 20783

Barbaratg23@hotmail.com

(301) 853-2425